The inclusion of LTE seems worth noting: 4G is growing fast in Australia and ASIO will doubtless be keen to monitor traffic on new networks. Intriguingly, “Applicants that have applied for this position in the last 12 months need not reapply,” suggesting this has proved a tough gig to fill.

The job description for the Telecommunications Investigations Officers says the new hires will “join a small team responsible for the collection, processing and dissemination of telecommunications-related data.”

Duties include “Assisting in the preparation and submission of lawful requests to telecommunications providers”, which sounds an awful lot like making warrantless requests for telecommunications metadata. Such requests are controversial because they're made in their hundreds of thousands each year. If Vulture South's guess is correct and ASIO feels it needs more people to make the requests, it could signal even greater volumes. Australia's Greens party has tabled amendments to the Act permitting such requests in the hope of reducing their number.

If you fancy one of these jobs, care to check out the dozen or so other IT roles, or fancy a closer look at ASIO's hiring trends, its vacancies page is here. ®